New Horizons

Felt a little guilty about not providing any updates on what’s been happening with me since May 24th. I’ve left Agent Wildfire for a geographically closer, more upbeat and growing Cyberplex. I love what I’m doing. I work with determined, creative and excited people and every hour that I am here, I feel energized, empowered and challenged. There is a project, Shop Causes, that I am currently working on – my task is to release it from its incubator and relinquish it into the market. I want to tell you more as I hope that is something you would get into.

It is a free Facebook Application through which you can do your online shopping and support a cause of your choice (any). For example, after having added the application, I first selected Sick Kids Foundation (most popular cause on the app), then opted out for PETA. Then I browsed 200+ online retailers whose stores I can browse, make purchases and then see them donate a percentage to my chosen cause. I lose nothing here. I also shop online very often.

I’m very excited about this project because as a 1) generation Y young bird wanting to change the world; 2) online shopper 3) recessionista, I can help  myself and others here without having to take a lot of my own hard-earned and sometimes uninexistent disposable income to donate to charities of my chosing. Pass the word along, guys, I think together we can really make a difference here by doing nothing more than what we do already – shop and spread the word.

PS. I’m also managing the Twitter account, find us @ShopCauses. Check out developments there and tweet your purchases and we’ll add $0.25 to your cause.

Filed under: Great Products , good life, miracle, product, work

Because You Asked About Makeup

It’s time to talk about girly things because I never really do, and I am not a gang of girlfriends type o’lady. So I will tell this to the Internets and even show a photo of my collection. These are the most valuable and most important players in my makeup collection. Mind you, not all of them are used all at once, because I don’t have an hour to spend in front of a mirror to go get pho.

1. Urban Decay liquid eye liner in – and this is one of the reasons I got it, laughing maniacally – “Perversion”, which is another word for… black?
2. Korres Ginger and Vitamins natural water-based foundation in LF1. Vitamins C, E and ginger moisturize and SPF 10 adds extra protection. I’ve been using it for 3 months now and can definitely say that the effects are amazing. I wrote about it here as well.
3. Cargo Texas Lash mascara. Cargo is known for producing a fabulous line of High Definition makeup, which is what apparently is used on movie stars. Now that the masses have access to this miracle, I thought I’d test it out. I was expecting bull, but was pleasantly surprised when this super soft and easy to remove (but long-lasting at the same time) mascara increased the length and volume of my lashes in an instant. Perfect for smokey eyes, and for those that don’t have too much time to twist and curl their lashes. Respect.
4. Lorac brow pencil in Auburn. What a shock it was to see its dramatic effect. Soft pencil that lasts long and doesn’t smudge easily. Perfect shade for my red hair.
5. Korres 98.8% natural primer. Again, a miracle. Smooth baby face guaranteed.
6. Korres concealer in WC3 – this thing actually conceals and is a perfect tone for my skin – tad bit lighter than my own. Really covers and really stays.
7. Sephora blush me! in No 12 adds a soft touch to my cheekbones.
8. Hally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish in Wined Up really does dry fast and utilizes a non-traditional wide brush for more effective application. I’m impressed. (Not shown are my shades of red and black, both by Revlon actually)
9. Korres lip and cheek butter in Wild Rose is another miracle from this Greek brand. I was shocked as to how smooth, pleasantly aromatic (how many wild rose lip glosses/butters have you encountered in your life?) and incredibly moisturizing it is. Love the tint of color it leaves as well. Definitely the purchase of the season!!
10. Christian Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect 757 is what I use when I feel like taking it up a notch. It really does wonders with its maximum shine feature and fantastically 3D color. A must for every sexy lady.

Questions? Write a comment. I’d be more than happy to discuss. I’m also open to challenges if you provide me with a contending product. (I just calculated how much all this costs, and we’re talking $250 value. No wonder I purchase all these things over time )

Filed under: Great Products , beauty, korres, makeup, obsessions, product, self

Placebo Works Better

Placebo is the best band in the world in my opinion, and it’s one of the most underrated ones. I’ve been an ardent fan of theirs since about 2000, if not earlier (maybe not as long as No Doubt’s, but I stopped loving No Doubt the moment Gwen started whoring herself out). Not only is Brian Molko a handsome fox, but he’s also got quite a big mouth. Oh yeah, and did I tell you he wears make up since 12? A man open about his sexuality, quite a novel, especially back in 1994.

I missed their concert in Vancouver back in 2003, and that made me incredibly sad. But I won’t miss any more concerts, especially since their 7th studio album, Battle For The Sun, is set for release on June 8, 2009! Go download the title track for free, right here or straight from this post. Now I would like to shut up and instead share my favorite Placebo tracks with you. Even if you never listened to this British band before, now is your chance. Click on the link, and you’ll be able to download directly from MediaFire.

• Special K – the slow, acoustic version. Special K is also my nickname. I could barely find the mp3 second time my computer died, and I have since then copied this track in many locations so as to never lose it again.
• Without You I’m Nothing - dear Mr David Bowie, Molko’s friend, has done a swell job here.
• Every You, Every Me – Who can ever forget this track from Cruel Intentions?
• Haemoglobin – first sentence: “I was hanging from a tree / Unaccustomed to such violence / Jesus looking down on me/ I’m prepared for one big silence”
• Slackerbitch – I used to really love screaming “fag hag whore, looks real cute, her lips are sore” during this song
• Running Up That Hill (Kate Bush cover) – simply beautiful, just as good as the original!
• Twenty Years – I’d say this is the song that marks the shift to more grown up material
• Protect Me From What I Want – really a sad song; I’ve grown to think that it has to do with a craving for drugs, thanks to this song painting a bleak vision of our world… or some part of it.
• Nancy Boy – a Placebo classic! Eyeholes in a paper bag / Greatest lay I ever had Kind of guy who mates for life / Gotta help him find a wife
• English Summer Rain – poor L-town. It’s a fun track when you’re on the run or hating Londinium
• Meds – it features VV of The Kills, not that I’m familiar with those, but nevertheless. “Babyyyy, did you forget to take your meds?”
• Blind – I find this song pretty romantic, poignant and utterly emotional… Sob sob sob
• Pure Morning – ok, this is on here because that’s the first Placebo video I’ve ever watched and my first comments were, “wtf, what a weird girl!” Then I inquired further, and everything changed.
• **New!** Battle For The Sun – the title track from the upcoming album!

Filed under: Great Products , mp3, music, obsessions, placebo, pop culture, product

L’Oreal Does It Again

Even though I am sad that L’Oreal may have discontinued my hair color, they introduced a product which made me ditch Lancome and seriously consider the Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara. Hence I was curious to try this offering from Matchstick.

This mascara easily comes off with warm water. I know, every mascara eventually comes off with water, but the whole eye area turns black and it takes some time. Also, the “tubes” in the product name play a big role – once applied, the mascara solidly wraps around your eyelashes, making them stronger, much, much longer, non-smudgy and alluring. I completely forgot about the tubes at first, so my heart skipped a beat when, after washing my face, I saw tiny little “lashes” all over my eye area. It was the tubes, and the easy removal is no myth.

There are some tricks when it comes to application. For amazing results, slowly apply a thin white basecoat, fully covering your lashes – white extensions will attach to the tips – and let dry for a moment before proceeding. While some people complain that the wand’s too short, I just learned maneuver, and my lashes turn out twice as long! I got more than I expected. The retail price is $14.99, but click here for a $5 off coupon (use this reference code: 71MF). Since Beauty Tubes don’t require a makeup remover, thus saving some bucks, every recessionista should consider the lush value for such a bargain price.

(Did you read this article? What are your thoughts on L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara? Click here to let us know!)

Filed under: Great Products , beauty, fashion, product, review

Ketel One Strikes Again

Hey guys! If you remember my Ketel One post (or me blabbering about this in person), could you take a couple of minutes to fill out this survey please?

Matchstick is looking for feedback from anyone who may have seen my posting about Ketel One Vodka. If you click on the link below and complete the survey, you will be helping them by donating $2.00 to the Redwood Women’s Shelter, please Click Here to take the short feedback survey. For every survey that is completed, Matchstick will make a $2 donation to the Redwood Women’s Shelter. Your time and feedback is greatly appreciated”

Filed under: Great Products , help, marketing, product

Macworld

Since last Monday’s death of my HP, I decided to marry the enemy. No, wait, it began in December when I actually started contemplating getting a Mac. “Once my PC dies, I will most likely get a Mac. It’s time to make the switch.” I jinxed myself. HP died sooner than I anticipated, right after the Christmas bills arrived…

Despite receiving the Rogers employee discount (the same week I quit the company, ending a 2.5 year relationship), it was still a pricey piece of machinery, which I intend to use for more than 2 years. The Apple store guy was a jerk, contrary to my naive belief that they’re all friendly and eager-beaverly want to enlist me in their Mac army. Despite all that, I love it. It’s smooth, sleek, light and empty of the past year and a half. It’s a beauty. I’m even not regretting the lack of a right click button, since the keyboard solves that issue. The opening video that Welcomes you to Macworld in all languages is absolutely bedazzling, a Christmas again.

The only minuses are lack of my music on the hard disk, nonacceptance of mini-DVDs, and no easy switch between languages (or maybe I just don’t know how to to set up the hot keys yet). I am also in the process of getting Mac programs on the computer – please share your recommendations.

Filed under: Great Products, moving up , marketing, recommendation, product, mac, macworld, apple

New Obsessions

Excuse my non-presence in the blogosphere this past week – I’ve been on the reading, instead of the wring, side. Here are three products I discovered this past week that have been making me absolutely cuckoo with happiness.

1. Mimipong’s Hug Your Sorrow tear-shaped toys. Love them, love them, love them. Each toy is unique and comes with a tag with space for writing down your sorrow and then hug it out. Brilliant idea. There’s a related art installation in Singapore – photos of the toys’ uses, many written sorrows etc. If you’re in Singapore, please go and take photos!
2. Korres Lightweight Foundation. I’m a brand loyalist, so the marketer’s task of persuading me to switch is hard. It happens so that I’ve been using Maybelline’s foundation for  7 or 8 years for the lack of a better alternative. I can never find the right shade. Until yesterday’s stumbles at Sephora. I found the lightweight water-based foundation in almost exactly the same shade! This foundation is also enriched with vitamins C and E and ginger extract that tone and moisturize the skin. I’m thoroughly impressed, and am considering switching my cosmetics choices to this environmentally friendly Athens-based company.
3. Eggling products – Nyokki (pictured) and co. from Japan. These egg-shaped vessels  contain soil and seeds that grow grass, lavender and herbs such as basil, mint, rosemary… This household addition will not only decorate your window sill, but add something yummy to your meals. I ordered 6 various ones for myself and my family. Available at the World Wide Nature Company.

Filed under: Great Products , art, brand, joy, obsessions, product, surprise

Metroelectro

You probably already know that I am madly in love with Metromint, which I praised just last month. I absolutely love the product, the company, its community involvement, the certified green company status, and the obsession to put healthy things into one’s body.

I am completely smitten! Metroelectro, the second child of the Soma Beverage Company of San Francisco, debuted last summer. Branded as the micronutrient water, it is a no calorie, no sweetener, and no artificial ingredient beverage with zinc to boost one’s immune system, antioxidants to protect cells from damage and electrolytes to replenish essential minerals. It probably tastes like heaven, just like Metromint. Having a better access to Metromint and seeing it sold in a wide range of stores would definitely make a move to the US more appealing, but that’s about it.

Don’t forget to enter Soma Beverage Company weekly draws to win a sample pack and merchandise! Read the Metromint blog, yo.

Filed under: Great Products , metromint, obessions, product, water

Ketel One Wins The Prize

Now, another product that I want to write about before the year is over (considering you’ll be shopping for somethings to help celebrate NYE), hails from Holland. Made with the finest Dutch wheat, grown on the land owned by the distillery itself, distilled through the giant coal chamber for that clean taste and tested by the Nolet family member before escaping the premises, extra premium Ketel One blew my mind. I had the pleasure of trying it for the first time in my life at The Spoke in Toronto, since the pleasant and elegant establishment allowed for the thorough enjoyment of the drink, which is equally classy.

As you know, I am Russian, and the next thing you’ll think is, “Oh, she must love vodka, obviously she likes this.” Wrong. As a matter of fact, I don’t like drinking vodka per se, and never pursued this activitity. Which is why Ketel One took my tastebuds by storm. It’s very clean, ultra smooth and possesses an unoffensive aftertaste (which can’t be said about Absolut). I definitely recommend dirty Ketel One martinis to adorn your Christmas party tables or the wild New Years Eve celebrations that I suspect you’re planning.

Next time I am looking to impress connoisseurs of drink, I will include the Nolet child in my palette, not Li’l Jon-preached Grey Goose that is several grades below KO when it comes to smell and taste.

Filed under: Great Products , drink, evangelist, marketing, obsessions, presents, product, review, surprise

H2O

In case you are still shopping for last minute Christmas presents, may I suggest the H₂O products for the lovers of bath and body goodies. As a hunter and tester of the best such products myself, I’ve been around the block when it comes to shower gels and hand creams. I bought my mom a Naturally Gifted Collection which has a shower gel, body lotion, spray mist and a body scrub in the Natural Spring scent, which is simply divine! Divine! To add to that, Natural Spring Mineral Bath will sway any bath-loving person: natural sea salts, sea kelp and aloe with magic bubbles! My mom (and I, since I got to try it) absolutely adore it. It is gentle, not overwhelming and wonderfully natural. Yum Yum Yum.

The product definitely aligns with the H₂O concept: “It’s water, but it’s so much more. It’s the thrill you had when you were seven and played Marco Polo in the deep end. It’s the roar of the ocean at night. It’s blue. It’s mysterious, deep and wet. It’s where you wish you were going. It’s personal, comforting, and serene.”

Vancouver store is on Robson & Nelson, Toronto store is in the Eaton Center upstairs. Great if you’re not looking to spend a whole bunch. If you do want to spend a whole bunch, I suggest KORRES natural products.

Filed under: Great Products , beauty, joy, marketing, obsessions, presents, product

Metromint

December 2005. San Francisco. I walked into a grocery store in search of water. I bought Metromint because of its sleek packaging (my favorite bottle design!) and the series of R-promises to: refresh, relieve, relax, revere, renew, rehydrate. Since then I’ve been a fan. When I see the product, I start to breathe heavily and immediately run to grab a bottle, or better yet, a couple, because I never know when I’m going to meet my beloved Metromint next. Love it, love it, love it.

I love it so much that when Chris & I went to Montreal (and he brought a bunch of Metromint with him!), I took a polaroid with the whole lot and sent it to the company, telling them of my loyalty and evangelical pursuits of converting the regular water drinkers over to the mint side. The company does not ship any cases to Canada, but the marketing director nevertheless sent me the cherrymint sampler case (before it even got released) and a t-shirt! Yes! Yes! Yes!

Oh! For those of you in the US: Order a 24 bottle case before January 8 and enjoy free shipping ($10 savings). Rock on!

Filed under: Great Products, advertising , evangelist, marketing, metromint, montreal, obsessions, photos, polaroid, product, travels, water

Product Placement

Product placement works. Like magic. It is also one of the cheaper and more effective ways to reach the consumer – show the product in action and worry less about the PVRs. In fact, how about more collaboration with television series and what not on putting products into the hands of actors? How much more/less would that cost? And how certain can you be now that the audience will certainly see the product in action?

The first effect of product placement that I remember in my short life involved us, 16- or 17-year olds, watching one of Michael Moore’s (yuck) documentaries. I believed it was Bowling for Columbine (or another one) with my Law class. If memory serves right, there was something about McDonald’s. While the movie bashed it, a whole bunch of us got hungry. Guess where we really wanted to go after the movie was over.

Mad Men. Those folks smoke and drink non-stop. For every misfortune, the remedy is to drink. For every great thing – more drinks. Whereas I don’t drink more frequently, I definitely seem to grab my favorite Djarum Blacks more often than not. Ooops!

PS. Happy December. In two weeks I’ll be in Vancouver! Wee!

Filed under: advertising , advertising, mad men, marketing, movies, product, product placement

15 years old again

Here is how it is: I laugh at the audience of preadolescent gals – or adolescent? Heck, let’s just say, tweens, – frenzying it up for some teenage vampires. Oh, and I don’t even know what the movie is about, and what sort of hilarity we are destined to see. And hilarious it is. Except that on the 55th minute you rapidly start swaying towards the gentlemanly Edward Cullen. Later on, one clues in that no 17- or 25-year old would ever act so nobly; it takes approximately 100 years to figure out how to treat a woman (girl in this case) right.

And yes, I remember how I used to love, love, love Anne Rice’s novels (that, last time I checked, still held the top of mind place in consumers’ minds), and vampire Lestat, and vampire Armand. I gave up on all of that. Ad then True Blood sucked me back into it. And so did the Lancome Piha Black lipgloss over their red lipstick a la Louboutin sole of a shoe.

And then this Twilight thing came out. I don’t mind admitting that I appreciate Robert Pattinson’s exterior, thank God for our same-agedness. If he was a tad bit younger, I would have to reconsider. All right, Edward Cullen, take me away! I am, too, a fan of Debussy’s.

PS. This review made me laugh so hard, I nearly had to rush to the washroom. Bagels, doom, and proletarian demands. I say, get them while they’re young!

Filed under: simple life , film, fun time, marketing, movies, music, obsessions, pop culture, product, review, twilight

MindBase

As you may know, Yankelovich came up with a MindBase psychographic segmentation scheme.

I found the test online, and lo and behold, this time around I knew the answer before I finished the questionnaire. DUH.

But I wanted to say some other things in this post, besides the result (which I think is highly dependent on age, even though I don’t plan to shut down my power generating facilities for at least another 43 years)

I am Expressive my motto is Carpe Diem I live life to the fullest and I’m not afraid to express my personality. I’m active and engaged and I embody a true “live in the now” attitude with a firm belief that the future is limitless and that I can be or do anything I put my mind to.

Filed under: advertising , advertising, improvements, marketing, product, self

Expanding Horizons

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle

During September some bolts have been twisting and turning in my head and heart, as a result of which I have been actively looking to expand my horizons. I’ve got the energy of a billion bears. I am increasingly interested in activities at Ryerson University, which I’ve never experienced before (or at UBC), and so I applied to the Ryerson University Finance Society case competition which is going to be happening all day on November 7. It’s not the prize – $4,000 for winning team plus some lucrative internships, – that’s motivating, but the fact that I want to do it.

I am also going to write an article for Ryerson Marketing Association – I’ve been thinking about a lot of recent developments, and will definitely write something interesting. I have an increasing interest in getting to know my fellow classmates more, which I never cared for before, heh. I’ve also been developing relationships with my professors, who are all super awesome people. Lucky me this semester.

To quote VHS or Beta’s “You Got Me” (download Baby Daddy’s remix), “Everything’s better off this way” Oh yeah, I’m researching shooting ranges near Toronto, as well as looking for archery lessons. I’ve got a good eye, better put it to use.

Hot Product Alert: Last week I went to Sephora in search of an amazing shower gel, and KORRES natural products caught my eye. Their products are “skin-compatible, environment-friendly, joyful and effective”. I grabbed the wonderful jasmine shower gel, and oh, wasn’t I impressed!! Korres is fabulous! Their claims are all true. I suggest you check this Greek skin product line out. (I’m trying out the Sunflower and Vitamin F shampoo for coloured hair really soon and can’t wait!)

Filed under: Quotable, moving up , self, mp3, toronto, changes, productivity, ryerson, autumn, university, trends, hot, aristotle, UBC, vhs or beta, shooting, guns, product